Germany Blames Russia for Leipzig Airport Drone Attack and Will Close Bonn Consulate

Germany formally blamed Russia on Tuesday for an explosives-laden drone found near a Ukrainian Antonov aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the drone’s configuration, explosive and detonator matched elements of known Russian hybrid operations; investigators also found parts of a second drone and a DNA trace. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Russia’s Bonn consulate will close September 18, Berlin will end the Russian House operating agreement, tighten entry controls and seek further European Union sanctions. Moscow denied involvement and said Germany had provided no convincing evidence.